You can mark your calendar for Sunday, October 3. That's officially the new date for the 2021 Cochrane Community Awards (CCA).

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding local residents, community leaders, businesses, organizations and schools that help to make Cochrane a great place to live. It's overseen by a committee of local representatives as well as the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cochrane.

The awards ceremony is usually slated for the spring however due to COVID-19, both the 2020 and 2021 events were pushed out on the calendar.

The Cochrane Community Awards consists of 13 categories in total, including the prestigious Order of Cochrane which is presented by Cochrane’s mayor and Town Council.

CCA Chair and 2020 Order of Cochrane recipient, Valerie McCracken says that although COVID restrictions made it difficult to plan the spring awards, the nominations were pouring in.

"From the number of nominations received it is clear there are many grateful residents who want to see local individuals, businesses and organizations recognized for the tremendous effort they have gone to in boosting our community during the pandemic," says McCracken.

Organizers say that the list of award nominees will be announced soon and tickets will be available in September.

The awards program is funded through sponsorship from local groups that recognize the value of community involvement. Sponsorship opportunities are available and you can learn more on the CCA event website: www.ccawards.ca

The Cochrane Community Awards will be presented Sunday, October 3 at the Cochrane RancheHouse, and the event will be emceed by 91.5 CochraneNow's Lauren Meister and Eric Ruttle.